Hi all,

I have just finished doing a taught MA in a humanities subject and I expect it will be a merit. My BA in the same subject was a First.

I realise that with a Merit at MA, it makes the possibility of funding very unlikely. If I chose to do a stand alone M.phil and passed - would that improve my chances of going on to get funding for a PhD? Thanks !

I don't think it really would help. And it carries the risk of being viewed by employers as a failed PhD. Have you talked to anyone about funding? My gut feeling is that with a 1st at undergrad you might be writing this off too hurriedly. If you are geographically mobile and could find suitable supervision at several of the less competitive AHRC doctoral training partnerships, it might be a few applications next Spring.

I agree, I wouldn't write your self off just because you may get a merit. That's still a great pass mark and you have a First.

Thanks so much for your replies. That sounds a little more optimistic than I had thought !